After Vile Details Emerge in Murder Case of Pastor’s Wife, His Response Speaks Volumes

24 Nov, 2015 by Greg Campbell

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I would like to believe that as a Christian, I could rise-up above anger and forgive someone who brutally murdered a loved one. However, in truth, I know that I could not. One man, a pastor, has revealed himself to be a better man than I after he spoke of the desire to know the power of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Disturbing details have surfaced during the investigation of Amanda Blackburn’s untimely death earlier this month.

As IJ Lift previously reported, Amanda was the wife of a young pastor. While her husband, Davey, was at the gym on Nov. 10, Amanda was shot in their Indiana home and later died at a nearby hospital.

Davey not only lost his wife that day, but also their unborn child. He is now a widower caring for their toddler, Weston.

New information has emerged from investigators at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, revealing the arrest of 18-year-old Larry Taylor of Indianapolis. Taylor was arrested Sunday night on a preliminary charge of murder after previously being released from police custody.

“We are thankful to our federal, state and local partnerships that aided in the apprehension of the suspect in this terrible and senseless crime,” IMPD Chief, Rick Hite, says. “All victims of criminal homicides deserve closure, and as a community we must send a collective message that violence is not an option.”

According to the Indy Star, Taylor faces murder, felony burglary, theft, robbery, auto theft and criminal confinement charges. The 18-year-old also faces a misdemeanor charge of carrying a handgun without a license.

FOX 59 reports two other suspects have been arrested in connection with the sexual assault and murder of the 28-year-old woman.

Officials say Jalen Watson, 21, and Diano Gordan, 24, are in police custody and are currently being held on parole violations.

According to investigators, the three men who refer to themselves as “The Kill Gang” apparently entered the Blackburn’s unlocked home and confronted Amanda. Watson and Gordan allegedly stole her ATM cards and left to withdraw money.

Police believe Taylor stayed behind, raped the expecting mother and then shot her.

In the wake of his wife’s tragic death, Davey has proven that no amount of darkness can overtake the light of Jesus.

The young pastor who founded Resonate Church in Indiana is using the hashtag #NothingIsWasted to remember his late-wife and her remarkable faith.

Davey also released the following statement praising law enforcement for their efforts in finding his wife’s killer. It reads, in part:

“Though it does not undo the pain we are feeling, I was extremely relieved to get the news of the arrest made last night of Amanda’s killer,” he writes. “The investigators have assured me they have a solidly-built case to ensure justice is levied and the process is expedited. The family and I couldn’t be more thankful for the level of compassion and professionalism the IMPD and investigators have shown us through the last couple of weeks.”

He continued by hoping for three additional things throughout Amanda’s murder investigation:

“That the court system would have wisdom on how to prosecute this man, so that no one else endures the pain Amanda and our family have had to endure because of his actions.”

“That through all of this and although there will be great consequences for his actions, he would become truly sorry for what he has done and would even begin to experience the life-transforming power of the Grace and Mercy of Jesus Christ.”

“That Jesus would give me and our family a heart of forgiveness.”

Davey concludes his letter to the public with a message based on forgiveness and mercy, rather than hatred:

“Though everything inside of me wants to hate, be angry, and slip into despair I choose the route of forgiveness, grace and hope. If there is one thing I’ve learned from Amanda in the 10 years we were together, it’s this: Choosing to let my emotions drive my decisions is recipe for a hopeless and fruitless life. Today, I am deciding to love, not hate. Today I am deciding to extend forgiveness, not bitterness. Today I am deciding to hope, not despair.”

Despite losing his best friend and love of his life, Davey firmly believes his family’s future is still bright.

“By Jesus’ power at work within us, the best is STILL yet to come. Even when I don’t see it, I believe it to be true.”